The Effect of Individuals’ Personality Traits on the Perceived Effort Assessed by Visual Analogue Scale: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of individuals’ personality traits on the perceived effort.Methods: This experimental study was conducted from October 2022 to December 2022 on 30 students using general health questionnaire (GHQ-28), Raven’s intelligence quotient (IQ) test, visual analogue scale (VAS), revised neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience (NEO) personality inventory, and Jamar hand dynamometer (JHD).Results: A significant positive correlation was found between the exerted force to the JHD (EF-JHD) and perceived effort rated on horizontal VAS (PE-H/VAS) and vertical VAS (PE-V/VAS) in the individuals with low levels of ‘neuroticism’. Considering ‘extraversion’ and ‘agreeableness’ factors of the NEO test, the correlation coefficient between EF-JHD, and PE-H/VAS and PE-V/VAS was higher in the individuals with medium levels compared to those with high levels. This relationship was reverse for the ‘openness to experience’ and ‘conscientiousness’ factors. The results demonstrated a significant strong positive correlation between PE-H/VAS and PE-V/VAS (r=0.97). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between EF-JHD and PE-H/VAS and between EF-JHD and PE-V/VAS.Conclusion: Individuals’ personality traits are recommended to be considered in assessing the perceived effort by VAS.

Keywords

• discomfort
• exertion
• extraversion
• neuroticism
• personality